Compare the2018 Volkswagen BeetleVS 2018 Ford Mustang

The Beetle has standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Mustang doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Beetle and the Mustang have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The Beetle comes with a full 6-year/72000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The Mustang’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 3 years and 36,000 miles sooner.

The Beetle’s corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the Mustang’s (10 vs. 5 years).

The Volkswagen Beetle’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Mustang’s engines use an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

On the EPA test cycle the Beetle gets better fuel mileage than the Mustang Coupe:

On the EPA test cycle the Beetle gets better fuel mileage than the Mustang Convertible:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Beetle uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Mustang requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Beetle higher (7 out of 10) than the Ford Mustang (3 to 5). This means the Beetle produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Mustang every 15,000 miles.

The Volkswagen Beetle comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the Mustang.

For better maneuverability, the Beetle’s turning circle is 1.1 feet tighter than the Mustang’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.5 feet). The Beetle’s turning circle is 4.6 feet tighter than the Mustang GT Performance Pack’s (35.4 feet vs. 40 feet).

The Volkswagen Beetle may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 600 pounds less than the Ford Mustang.

The Beetle is 1 foot, 8.1 inches shorter than the Mustang, making the Beetle easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Beetle Coupe a Compact car, while the Mustang Coupe is rated a Subcompact.

The Beetle Coupe has 2.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Mustang (85.1 vs. 82.8). The Beetle Convertible has 2.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Mustang (81.4 vs. 79.2).

The Beetle Coupe has 1.8 inches more front headroom, 2.3 inches more rear headroom and 2.4 inches more rear legroom than the Mustang.

The Beetle Convertible has 1.7 inches more front headroom, 1.9 inches more rear headroom and 2.2 inches more rear legroom than the Mustang.

The Beetle Coupe has a much larger trunk with its rear seat up than the Mustang (15.4 vs. 13.5 cubic feet).

The Beetle’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The Mustang Convertible doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

The Beetle Convertible’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Mustang’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

The Beetle has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and fuel theft. The Mustang doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Beetle SE/Dune/Convertible to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Mustang doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Beetle (except S/Coast) offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Mustang doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Beetle’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford only offers heated mirrors on the Mustang Premium.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the Beetle has standard rear heat vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The Mustang doesn’t offer rear vents.